{"id":55591,"date":"2025-12-09T12:15:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T10:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balmesvet.com\/?p=55591"},"modified":"2025-12-02T12:24:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:24:59","slug":"a-yorkshire-terrier-health-guide-common-diseases-and-veterinary-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/balmesvet.com\/en\/a-yorkshire-terrier-health-guide-common-diseases-and-veterinary-care\/","title":{"rendered":"A Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide: Common Diseases and Veterinary Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>Yorkshire Terrier<\/b> is a small, active, and long-lived dog, but as with many miniature breeds, it has a genetic predisposition to certain diseases that are important to be aware of for prevention or early detection. The key to its well-being lies in veterinary care, dental checkups, proper nutrition, and regular checkups.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we review <\/span>the most common diseases affecting Yorkshire Terriers<\/b>, their warning signs, and the recommended veterinary care at each stage of their life, with a clear and practical approach for responsible owners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common diseases in Yorkshire Terriers<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The most significant are:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Periodontal disease:<\/b> affects more than 90% of dogs, especially in the upper premolars. It can appear from an early age if dental hygiene is not taken care of.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Patellar luxation:<\/b> patellar luxation<\/span><\/a> is present in almost a quarter of Yorkies. It causes intermittent limping and, in the long term, can lead to osteoarthritis.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Tracheal collapse: <\/b>almost 17.8% of the breed suffers from this condition. It manifests itself as chronic coughing that worsens with excitement or exercise.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Allergic dermatitis: <\/b>around 16.6% develop<\/span> allergic dermatitis<\/span><\/a>, causing itching, redness, and recurring sores.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Hypoglycemia:<\/b> 15.8% common in puppies and very small dogs. It can cause weakness, tremors, and even seizures.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Endocardiosis<\/b> (degeneration of heart valves): affects more than 12.6% of the breed and can lead to heart failure.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Eye problems: <\/b>Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (almost 9.6%) and cataracts (7%) are relatively common in this breed. To a lesser extent, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) also occurs.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Cryptorchidism: <\/b>Up to 8% of males have one or both undescended testicles, which increases the risk of testicular tumors.<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Legg-Calv\u00e9-Perthes:<\/b> orthopedic disease that affects 5% of young Yorkies and causes limping and hip pain.<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Urinary stones<\/b>: predisposition to calcium oxalate 7.4% and ammonium stones (the latter related to portosystemic shunt).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Other diseases affecting Yorkshire Terriers<\/b><\/h3>\n